The Thrall Tigers (20-8-1) finished as the District 27-2A runner-up behind the Thorndale Bulldogs. Despite falling just short of their season goal of winning the district title, the Tigers said they are geared up to make a deep playoff run.
“Our kids are excited, ready and hungry to be back in the postseason,” Thrall Coach Justin Adams said.
Postseason will begin Thursday, May 2, when the Tigers travel to Mason to face the Punchers (15-6) who finished third in District 28-2A. Thursday matchup will be the first of a best-of-three series that will conclude Saturday, May 4.
Thrall enters the series without their lead hitter, Hayden Heselmeyer, who was lost to an injury two weeks back. However, Adams said the Tigers are still optimistic of their chances. “Obviously, the injury to Heselmeyer is huge, but all year we’ve played with a next man up mentality,” Adams said. “Our kids embrace that and are up for the challenge.”
Freshmen Weston Smiley and Jack Gustafson have turned in solid seasons, both hitting over .300 for the year and are currently the second and third leading hitters on the team. Meanwhile, on the mound, Maverick McAllister, Anthony Sandoval and Gustafson have provided strong pitching for the Tigers.
Adams said the key for the Tigers will be finding the right combination of players. “Hopefully we can find the hot lineups, play solid defense, and handle our pitching staff in a way that keeps us in games this weekend,” he said. “Mason is a strong opponent, and I think fans are in store for an excellent three-game series.”
Thursday’s contest will begin at 6 p.m. in Mason. Games two and three will be in Thrall on Saturday. Game two will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday in Thrall and game three, if needed, will begin 30 minutes after game two.
